The Continental and Sorrento’s Holiday Boom (1875)
The Continental and Sorrento’s Holiday Boom (1875)
The Continental opened in 1875 as Sorrento developed into a holiday destination. George Coppin’s interests in transport and accommodation helped bring visitors to the town.
The story behind the scene
The hotel received its first licence in September 1875. Coppin, an actor, entrepreneur and politician, was involved in several businesses promoting Sorrento.
The Continental gave visitors a substantial hotel above Ocean Beach Road. Transport services and leisure attractions helped make a stay on the Peninsula more practical and appealing.
Alterations to the frontage and later additions changed the building over time. The hotel in the older photograph was already a later version of the original establishment.
What you’re seeing
The Rose photograph, dated approximately 1920 to 1940, shows the tower and frontage above the street. The modern view returns to the corner, with cars and neighbouring businesses around it.
Why this photo matters
The tower provides a familiar point of comparison, while the altered frontage records changes in the hotel itself. The building has kept its place above the town through several periods of tourism.
Historical photograph: Rose Stereograph Co., circa 1920 to 1940, State Library Victoria. Modern photograph: Julian Varricchio.
Sources: Nepean Historical Society; The Continental Sorrento